Alternatives to Pressure Washing for Paver Maintenance

If you have a hardscape installed in your yard, you know how important it is to maintain the pavers. Not only does maintenance make them look better and make you more able to enjoy them, but it also makes them last longer.

Pressure washing is one of the most common ways of maintaining and cleaning your pavers. However, some concerns come with pressure washing. Not only do you want to avoid damaging your pavers, but you also have the landscaping surrounding them to consider. 

In this blog post, we look at alternative ways to maintain your pavers without a pressure washer.

1. Gentle Cleaning Methods

One of the first ways to ensure good maintenance of your pavers without a pressure washer is by implementing more gentle cleaning methods. If you prefer to clean with natural products, try using a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap. Apply it to your pavers to remove any stains and mildew.

You can also sweep your pavers with a soft-bristled brush before you clean them with water and routinely, even when you do not plan to scrub them. Regular sweeping can prevent dirt buildup and moss growth on your pavers.

2. Protective Measures

Paver maintenance means paver cleaning. You should also maintain your pavers by proactively protecting them against any damage.

One primary way to protect your pavers is by sealing them. A good paver sealant will help protect them against stains, severe weather, or fading in the sun. 

We also recommend preventing weeds from growing up in between the paver cracks. Installing polymeric sand can help prevent unwanted weeds, but you will likely need to spray or do some good old-fashioned weed-pulling now and then.

3. Targeted Stain Removal

If your pavers acquire stains over time, you can treat and remove them. Using a cleaning product such as Surebond Oil Extractor or SureClean Deep Penetrating Multi-Use Cleaner will effectively remove stains from your hardscape. 

These products are gentle on your pavers but reliable in removing any oil, grease, or wine stains that may show up over their lifetime. 

4. Regular Maintenance Practices

One of the most reliable ways to maintain your pavers is simply by keeping a sharp eye out for anything that goes wrong. Whether it’s a stain or a crack in your pavers, regular inspection is a sure way to keep them looking new for a long time.

You should also prepare your pavers for the different seasons. Clean them thoroughly before winter and refresh them again in the spring to remove any debris that accumulates during the winter. Making a habit of keeping your pavers clean and maintained takes time, but it will reward you with a beautiful, long-lasting hardscape.

Download our free Planning Guide

If you have been waiting to install your pavers because you are unsure how to proceed, we have a free resource for you. Download our Project Planning Guide PDF to get all the details you need to know about planning and installing your new hardscape.